Pelicans Face Unexpected Setback as Rookie Derik Queen’s Season Takes a Mysterious Turn After Wrist Surgery

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Queen finishes Summer League play with an average of 14 points, 11 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 27.1 minutes over three games. One part of his game to clean up when he’s back on the court is turnovers as he led all players with 5.7 per game prior to being injured.AdvertisementThe 2025-26 NBA season begins on Oct. 21.

Queen, who was acquired by the Pelicans in a trade after being selected No. 13 overall by the Atlanta Hawks in last month’s NBA draft, was injured during Tuesday’s Summer League game against the Portland Trail Blazers. He will be re-evaluated in 12 weeks, which will fall toward the end of training camp and after the team returns home from Australia.The buzz around New Orleans Pelicans’ latest gem, rookie center Derik Queen, hit a sudden snag this past Friday when he had to undergo surgery for a torn scapholunate ligament in his left wrist. Talk about a tough break — especially after he was snagged at the No. 13 spot in last month’s NBA draft by Atlanta and then swiftly traded to the Pelicans. His injury came during a Summer League clash with Portland, and now, the clock starts ticking on a 12-week recovery that awkwardly lapses right into training camp, just as the team returns from their Australian stint. Queen’s Summer League stats were solid, averaging 14 points, 11 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in about 27 minutes a game — though turnovers were a hiccup he’ll need to iron out once he’s back on the hardwood. Meanwhile, the Pelicans are still looking for their footing at 0-4, aiming to close out their run against Indiana. This pause in Queen’s season is a curveball, but if his pre-injury play is any hint, the wait might be worth it. LEARN MOREThe Pelicans are 0-4 and wrap up their schedule Friday against the Indiana Pacers.